The Path

For the path built before us now
do we take the easy way out
follow the asphalt/concrete road
that everyone else travels upon?

Destinations matter only to them
the path means little
it flies by as a blur

Isn't the journey as important as the where?

If the smooth pavement of the road
is what you're after
then follow the leader again

Perhaps there is another way
a trail most forsake
overgrown with brambles and weeds
the patches of life
a hidden trail that no sun visits

Others run along the highways
let us take the path we are on
as the journey is part of the reward
Posted at Poets and Storytellers United:  Weekly Scribblings #26: Pavement

22 comments:

  1. This is incredibly deep and profound, Joel!💘 I resonate with the idea of journey being 'part of the reward,' thank you so much for writing to the prompt.

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    1. Thank you for the prompt, Sanaa. This came along and it seemed to fit today. I'm glad you liked this and I appreciate your kind thoughts.

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  2. I agree that journey is as important as the where, Joel, and it is part of the reward. I prefer brambles and weeds to the smooth asphalt of the much-travelled road.

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    1. I agree, Kim. These trails bring some interesting stories along the way as well. Thank you for stopping by.

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  3. Oh yes, the journey is important! My poem also mentions preferring a bush track to a paved path. But yours puts me in mind of the Biblical contrast between the strait and narrow ways. I wonder if that was an intentional reference? If so, nicely done – delicately handled, not preachy. Or is it rather a metaphor for individuality and not mindlessly following the herd? (Perhaps all of the above.)

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    1. A few things came to mind when I composed this. First, some people like the easy way on roads that others have smoothed out for them, while some walk the uneven trails with the hazards along the way (this may or may not be by choice.)
      Second, one misses the world if we rush by in order to arrive at our destination. The sites, experiences and the people are never revealed when we don't pay attention to the journey.
      Lastly, I seem to go my own way most of the time and often it ends up in the brush and thorns of life.

      I don't try to be preachy. Lord knows I've made too many mistakes.

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  4. So, true in the journey of life we encounter numerous paths with many difficulties, but we should keep going.

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    1. Good advice, Vandana. Keep going forward no matter the obstacles. Thank you for your kind words.

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  5. We think much alike, Joel. I think I have always put this in practice literally, as I always seek the back roads and avoid the interstates whenever possible. You miss so much on the interstates, and your poem so beautifully applies that to life's journey. Bravo!

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    1. Another thing we have in common, Beverly. I'll have to write up a story about a road trip off the interstate. Thanks for bringing that thought forward.

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  6. I love, love the message in your exquisite poem. Back roads have always been my preference ... the more winding the better!

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    1. Thank you, Helen. I'm glad you liked this. You sparked the thought of a road around a lake that was near my grandparent's home. A beautiful drive in the fall.
      Thank you for bringing that forward and for your kind words.

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  7. I agree vey much with the last lines. A worthwhile reward, indeed.

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    1. Thank you, Vivian. All that we are is cumulative experiences of our journey. I'm glad you liked this.

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  8. My wife and I were great explorers of roads less travelled, forests and beaches that were deserted. Life is always good if it is an adventure!

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    1. I agree, Robin. Life comes in both large and small adventures. Thank you for stopping by.

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  9. I have a tendency to want to do everything fast, so I appreciate the reminder that the slower road has a lot to offer.

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  10. We miss so much in the journey when we only focus on the destination. I too appreciate the reminder to take time to stop and "see".

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    1. Thank you, Susie. There is much to see along the paths we take. I appreciate that you stopped by and shared your thoughts

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